SPIKE (3)

Spike, n. [[Cf. G. spieke, L. spica an ear of grain. See Spikenard.]] (Bot.) Spike lavender. See Lavender. Oil of spike (Chem.), a colorless or yellowish aromatic oil extracted from the European broad-leaved lavender, or aspic (Lavendula Spica), used in artist's varnish and in veterinary medicine. It is often adulterated with oil of turpentine, which it much resembles.